Veterinarian's Recommendation for a Sugar Glider's Diet

Source: "Care of Sugar Gliders" PDF written by Dr. Robert Ness, DVM. Dr. Ness is a leading glider expert at the Ness Exotic Wellness Center of Chicago, and has been studying the nutrition of exotics for a quarter of a century. Dr. Ness is not affiliated or sponsored by Exotic Nutrition.

"Sugar gliders have broad dietary needs. The diet of the wild sugar glider includes sap and gum from eucalyptus and acacia trees, nectar and pollen, manna and honeydew, and a wide variety of insects and arachnids. Their diet varies with the season. These animals are primarily insectivorous during the spring and summer months. During the winter months, the sugar glider feeds on gum from the eucalyptus and acacia trees, as well as sap and sugar excretions from the trees and sap-sucking insects. Although these animals readily accept fruit, nuts and grains, these are not a substantial part of their natural diet. Contrary to the nutritional needs observed in the wild, much of the information found in lay publications lists fruit and vegetables as a major portion of the captive diet. Several components make up the recommended sugar glider diet. The captive diet should include nectar, insects, other protein sources, and limited fruit and vegetables. Protein is a critical nutritional factor in sugar gliders. Various protein sources include insects, eggs, and commercial protein sources. Another natural dietary component is sap and nectar, which provides the necessary carbohydrates. Sources include fresh nectar, honey, and artificial nectar products. Commercial sugar glider and insectivore diets are available and should be included as part of the diet. A broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement with a good calcium supply is lightly sprinkled on the food daily."

WHAT EXOTIC NUTRITION OFFERS BASED ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Sugar Glider Diets (insect-based):  Instant-HPW Insect & Fruit Recipe

Sugar Glider Diets (meat-based): Glider Essential, Glider Complete, Premium Sugar Glider Diet

Sugar Glider Diets (egg-based): Instant-HPW Honey & Fruit Recipe, HPW Jars, HPW Ingredients for homemade diet

Sugar Glider Diets (plant-based): Sugar Glider Diet with Papaya and Eucalyptus

Insectivore Diets: Premium Insectivore Diet, Berries & Bugs Diet, Insectivore-Fare

Insects: Live - Mealworms. Dried - Crickets, Grasshoppers, Mealworms, Waxworms, Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae, and EZ-Worms. Canned - Mealworms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Superworms, Caterpillars, and Silkworm.

High protein treats: Monkey Biscuits

Eucalyptus & Acacia: Eucalyptus Branches, Eucalyptus Leaves, Eucalyptus Sticks, Eucalyptus Powder, Acacia Powder, Gummivore-fare Jars

Honey, Nectar, & Pollen: Gliderade Nectar, Bee Pollen, Honey Sticks

Fruits & Vegetables: Garden Fresh Re-Hydrate, Mango, Papaya, Banana, Blueberry, Pineapple, Fruit Medley, Veggie Blend

Nuts & Seeds: Fruit & Nut Mix, Eucalyptus Sticks

Vitamin & Calcium Supplements: Glider Booster, Glider-Cal, VitaGlow, ZooPro High Protein Supplement